PASADENA – It was mid-August when Leonard Rivas arrived at the Colorado Street bridge and noticed a person looming over the edge, preparing to jump.

Without thinking twice, Rivas rushed over to the man, holding his legs and securing him until police arrived.

For his bravery, Rivas on Thursday received a community service award at the annual Police-Citizens Award luncheon at the Pasadena Conference Center.

“I’m honored to receive this. It’s a blessing,” Rivas said. “I’m just glad I could be at the right place at the right time.”

He was one of five citizens honored at the ceremony, which also recognized stand-out police officers.

Also recognized for bravery were Margarita Onape, Gloria Salomonand Maria Velasquez-Sandoval, three nurses who in December stopped a “deranged” assailant from continuing to beat an elderly patient at the senior center where the three work.

“I didn’t expect” an award, Salomon said. “When things like that happen, you just do what you have to do.”

A third award was given to Joseph Vasques, who in December chased down a suspect who robbed a Vons, despite being threatened. Thanks to his effort, the suspect was apprehended, police said.

The bulk of the awards given at the ceremony went to local officers who did everything from stopping suicides to helping bring down a major gang and drug network based in the city.

Officers Jeffrey Disney and Rodney Sanders were each awarded a Silver medal of courage for disarming a man with a shotgun who was attempting to kill himself.

A special Lifetime Community Service Award went to Bob Baderian, a charter member of the Police Activities League board, which puts on programs for youth. Baderian was a major player in the growth of the program, police said.

Awards were also given to officers who dedicated themselves to special projects, such as organizing the California Police Chiefs Association Annual Training Symposium, and enforcing DUI laws.

“It is the day-to-day giving of yourself, your time, your energy, that is heroic,” Pasadena police Chief Bernard Melekian told the audience.

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